Aureus Group has over 35 years of experience connecting talented people with outstanding opportunities. We’re dedicated to your success and to finding just the right position for you.

The following resources may be helpful to you as you begin your career search with us. The more prepared you are for the process, the better we’re able to market you to the many companies with available positions.

Professional Tips for Your Job Search

Resume Tips The Cover Letter Salary Wizard
Getting the Word Out Dress for Success Interviewing Techniques

Interviewing Techniques

Congratulations on your success so far! You sold yourself with your resume, and now they want an interview! Your work isn’t done – now is really your time to show them who you are and what you can do for them! Now is the time to sell yourself!

General Pointers

  • Be prepared to sell your skills by planning ahead. Prepare for a personal interview as if you will be taking a test (do your homework!)
  • Research the company. Obtain information from the Internet, the public library, or even from the company itself. Look at websites of their competitors or on the industry that they work in. The more you know about what they do, the better able you will be to determine how you can sell your experience to them.
  • Know your resume. The prospective employer will have a copy of your resume in hand. Be prepared to answer questions about the profile you presented.
  • Prepare for questions! Think of possible questions you will be asked during the interview. Be prepared to discuss your strengths and how your skills and experience will contribute to their organization. If certain questions make you nervous, rehearse in your head how you will answer them.
The Phone Interview
Normally, your first contact will be over the phone. Be prepared and organized! Confirm times and places whether scheduling a face-to-face interview or phone interview.
  • Be very professional. Even though this interview is on the phone, it is important that you treat it like any other type of interview.
  • Be on time and available at the phone number you indicated.
  • Prepare a list of questions you have about the position or company. This shows that you are proactive and you take your career opportunities seriously.
  • Choose an environment that is phone interview appropriate. Close yourself in a room away from distractions such as doorbells, pets, and family noises.
  • Have a copy of your resume in front of you so you and the interviewer are "on the same page".
  • Have a pencil and paper ready to take plenty of notes. Review these notes thoroughly before you go to your second interview. This will refresh you on what you have already discussed.
The Face-to-Face Interview
You have done your homework and made it through stacks of resumes. You may have even made it though a rigorous phone interview! Now the real test comes – its time to meet the prospective employer face-to-face.
  • First impressions are important! Dress at the level of, or a step above, the required daily dress of the company.
  • Don’t smoke just before the interview or chew gum during the interview. Smoke will stick to your clothing and may be distracting for some. Chewing gum is not a professional activity and should never be done in a professional, serious environment.
  • Know exactly where you are going for the interview, and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early. You never know when you’ll encounter a traffic jam, a car problem, or every red light in town. None of these should ever be used to excuse a late appearance for an interview!
  • Greet the prospective employer with a firm handshake and a confident voice.
  • Be confident about your skills, abilities, and the contributions you could make to the company. Try not to be shy. They liked your resume and abilities enough for an interview, so you already have something to be proud of!
  • Be careful not to give the impression that all you are interested in is the money and/or the benefits. It is best to leave questions and the discussion of this area to the latter stages of the interview and qualification process, and even more preferable, until an offer has been made.
  • Reference the research you did on the company. This shows you have initiative and you are interested in their industry.
  • Ask specific questions about the company's business philosophy and expected challenges and vision for the future. Ask how they would measure success in the position you are interviewing for.
  • Change the focus and emphasize your strengths if it becomes apparent that there are specific skills required that you do not excel in.
  • Ask if your skills and abilities meet their needs as the interview is approaching its conclusion. The response may provide you with the opportunity to clarify concerns or provide additional information.
  • Let the interviewer know you want the position.

The Offer

  • If the position is offered, and you are prepared to accept, do so. It is also acceptable to ask for 24 hours to think the decision over.
  • Initiate a discussion of any areas where you have unanswered questions at the time an offer is made. These areas could include salary offered, benefits, orientation, or other working conditions.